IMPORTANT WARNING:

Troleandomycin is no longer available in the U.S. If you are currently taking troleandomycin, you should call your doctor to discuss switching to another treatment.

Why is this medication prescribed

Troleandomycin is an antibiotic used to treat infection, especially of the nose and throat, and strep throat. Troleandomycin may also be used in combination with steroid drugs to treat patients with asthma.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used

Troleandomycin comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken four times a day for 10 days. Doses should be taken at evenly spaced intervals throughout the day. It can be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take troleandomycin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take troleandomycin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking troleandomycin without talking to your doctor.

What special precautions should I follow

Before taking troleandomycin

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to troleandomycin, azithromycin (Zithromax), clarithromycin (Biaxin), dirithromycin (Dynabac), erythromycin, or any other drugs.

tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking troleandomycin, call your doctor.

you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of troleandomycin.

What should I do if I forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

Mild side effects

Although side effects from troleandomycin are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if this symptom is severe or does not go away:

stomach cramping or pain

Severe side effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

pain in your right side

fever

vomiting

upset stomach

skin rash, hives, or itching

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. If you still have symptoms of infection after you finish the troleandomycin, call your doctor.